A Saxon Military Order of St. Henry (1736-1917); Grand Cross in Gold - In Gold and enamels, 76.36mm (x 120.5mm including crown suspension), weighs 103.5 grams; unmarked, of superb quality manufacture, hardly worn, without sash, near mint condition, 1849-1866 period issue. This Cross is pictured and described in the definite book on Saxon Orders “Die Orden des Königreiches Sachsen", on page 84. Grand Cross of the Military Order of St. Henry was seldom awarded, only 41 times, and was reserved for a Head of States and exceptional military leaders. Among recipients were (awarded in 1917-1918): King Ludwig of Bavaria; King Wilhelm II of Wurttemberg; Emperor Karl of Austria; Wilhelm, German Crown Prince,Crown Prince of Prussia; General von Ludendorff. Most of the surviving Grand Crosses are held in museums, with very few remaining in private collections. This exceptional Cross is a key piece for a collector of German Orders in general, and of Saxon Orders in particular.